Dear Dutch community and friends.

As my time in New Zealand comes to an end, I simply want to say: thank you.

Thank you for your warm welcome, your hospitality, your communities and sharing your stories with me. It has been a privilege to meet so many of you across this beautiful country.

What has impressed me most is the spirit of the Dutch community. Some of you have been here for generations; others arrived more recently. Different backgrounds, different journeys, but one shared connection with the Netherlands and a shared commitment to New Zealand.

I have also admired how open this community is. You don't just celebrate your Dutch heritage, you build bridges, contribute to New Zealand society and connect with people from all walks of life. Do not forget, that openness is one of your greatest strengths.

Every generation faces its own challenges. Today's are climate change, technological change and an increasingly complex world. But one thing remains constant: the Dutch spirit of resilience and looking for opportunities. Our shared history is something to be proud of, not just because of where we came from, but because it inspires what we can build together.

You don't need a diplomatic passport to be an Ambassador. Through your work, your businesses, your community organisations and your friendships, you strengthen the relationship between New Zealand and the Netherlands every day. You build trust and bring people together. That is how lasting partnerships are built, not only by governments, but by people.

So my wish is simple: stay connected. Welcome new generations, keep reaching out to others, and continue to be proud of your Dutch heritage while embracing New Zealand with the same openness it has shown you. Above all, look after one another. Strong communities are built on kindness and the willingness to help when it matters.

Thank you for making my time in New Zealand so memorable. It has been an honour to serve as your Ambassador.

Thank you. Tot ziens.

Ard MM van der Vorst

Did you know that we have honorary consuls in Fiji, Samoa and Tonga, and that they are able to assist Dutch citizens in case of consular emergencies?

When travelling, it is always good to plan ahead as you never know what can happen.

Before you travel, check our country specific travel advice to understand potential risks: www.nederlandwereldwijd.nl/reisadvies  

Register your travels with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to ensure you stay informed, especially during potential crisis situations: https://informatieservice.nederlandwereldwijd.nl

To find out what to do in an emergency situation and how we are able to assist, visit: www.netherlandsworldwide.nl/urgent-assistance

If you need urgent consular assistance you can call our Netherlands Worldwide contact center 24 hours, 7 days a week on +31 247 247 247 or +64 4 471 6390.

For all your Dutch government related questions, call our 24/7 Netherlands World Wide contact center on +64 4 471 6390 or +31 247 247 247. Alternatively you can visit netherlandsworldwide.nl.